Received the flu? These are meals to eat and keep away from | The Guardian Nigeria Information

By Chioma Ndeche

Are you coughing or sniffling but? No. Properly, you’re one of many fortunate ones. Because the flu sweeps by means of this season, many people discover ourselves battling sore throats, stuffy noses, and normal malaise. Combating the flu is all about giving your physique the help it must heal. So, whereas relaxation and hydration are important, what we eat may also play a big position in how shortly we recuperate. Listed here are some meals to eat and people to keep away from as we fend off the flu:

FOODS TO EAT

Heat broths and soups

If you’re feeling beneath the climate, there’s nothing fairly like a heat bowl of soup. Hen broth, particularly, is soothing and engaging and helps hold you hydrated. It is usually filled with vitamins that may enhance your immune system. The heat helps to clear nasal congestion and soothe a sore throat, making it simpler to breathe and swallow.

Meals wealthy in vitamin C

Inexperienced leafy greens, corresponding to broccoli and spinach, are filled with vitamin C, which reduces irritation and boosts your immune system. A salad or smoothie made with these could make a big distinction.

Natural teas with honey

Hydration is essential while you’re sick, and natural teas can present each consolation and medicinal advantages. Teas produced from ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can relieve signs like congestion, nausea, and insomnia. Including honey not solely sweetens the tea but additionally supplies antibacterial properties that may assist soothe a sore throat.

Garlic and ginger

Garlic and ginger have highly effective anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Including them to your meals can assist in combating off the flu virus. Garlic will be added to soups and broths, whereas ginger can be utilized in teas, stir-fries, and smoothies.

Bananas

Bananas present quantity of nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with potassium, which can assist substitute electrolytes misplaced as a result of fever or sweating. They’re nice for sustaining vitality ranges while you’re feeling run down and style wonderful in smoothies.

READ MORE: 6 meals to by no means eat with bananas

FOODS TO AVOID

Sugary meals and drinks

Sugary meals can suppress the immune system and result in irritation, making it tougher in your physique to battle off the flu. Keep away from sweets, candies, and sugary drinks like sodas and fruit juices with added sugar. Go for pure sugars present in fruits in the event you want a candy repair.

Fried and greasy meals

Greasy meals will be laborious on the digestive system, which is already beneath stress from the flu. Fried meals may also enhance irritation, which is the very last thing the physique wants when attempting to recuperate. Follow lighter, simply digestible meals till you are feeling higher.

Spicy meals

Whereas some individuals swear by the sinus-clearing energy of spicy meals, they will irritate a sore throat and exacerbate abdomen points. It’s greatest to keep away from overly spicy dishes if experiencing flu signs. Delicate spices, nevertheless, like a pinch of turmeric or a little bit of black pepper, can nonetheless be useful with out inflicting irritation.

Alcohol and caffeine

Each alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate, which is the other of what the physique wants when combating the flu. Dehydration can worsen signs and extend restoration. As an alternative, keep on with water, natural teas, and broths to maintain hydrated and help the immune system.

Citrus fruit overdose

Something finished in extra is detrimental. Whereas citrus fruits are wealthy in vitamin C and assist enhance the immune system, their excessive acidic content material will be irritating and worsen a sore throat. As an alternative, strive a heat lemon tea with honey—it’s each soothing and filled with vitamin C.